New Homes
New Homes
Safety, health big part of MHBA mandate
THE Manitoba Home Builders' Association is the oldest association of its kind in the country with its inauguration in 1937. It is their mission to be the voice of the residential construction industry in Manitoba, to provide a forum for the ongoing education of the membership with respect to technology and business practices, to achieve an environment in which the membership can operate successfully, and to promote affordability and choice in housing for all Manitobans.
Over the past decade, the residential construction industry in Manitoba has seen tremendous expansion, with more than 5,500 new homes built in 2008 alone. This significant growth contributes more than $2.4 billion - about 5.8 per cent of the GDP - to the provincial economy and creates a substantial number of jobs, as well as providing revenue from the sale of construction materials to the sale of new homes.
Because of the rapid economic growth in Manitoba, more active measures for safety and health are required. In 2003, the province's Workplace Safety and Health Division invited representatives of the MHBA's Workplace Safety and Health Committee to participate in the review of current and potential safety regulations. The common goal was and is to ensure the safety of all involved in this unique industry without interfering with production time lines.
Over the next several years, both parties worked diligently through countless meetings and residential construction site visits to view how residential houses are constructed. Many challenges occurred .
To make the necessary changes to safety on the thousands of work sites in our province required time. The phase in periods started with workers using protective equipment, installing guardrails and the creation and posting of safety signage at every work site. Safe job procedures were developed and owners, managers, supervisors and workers were required to understand the Workplace Safety and Health Act and its regulations.
Fall protection continues to be a priority as fall-related incidents can lead to serious injury. The MHBA and the province's Workplace Safety and Health Division continue to work toward incidents relating to falls. The MHBA constructed a house roof structure at its training facility which reflects real life working conditions.
Workers enrolled in fall-protection courses are able to apply practical use of the equipment under the guidance of the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM).
In 2008, the MHBA mandated that all home builder members have a certified safety program that was in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Health Act (COR/SECOR certification). In less than two years, the number of home builders with this certification has increased to the point that now more than 70 per cent of new homes built in Manitoba are constructed by companies that are safety certified .
Today, Workplace Safety and Health conducts workplace inspections while the WCB and CSAM continue to operate education and training programs.
Through their supportive efforts, the MHBA will continue to initiate safety courses in all its programs.
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
New Homes
Tools for going green
A new-home buyer has numerous options and resources when looking for green solutions. There are several labels representing various levels of energy and/or resource efficiency; most notably, the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Program.
However, when it comes to home renovation, green solutions are not as straightforward since you're already working with an existing building.
Still, any project, large or small, can be a step towards a greener, more environmentally friendly home, according to the Homeowners' Guide to Green Renovations, recently published by the Canadian Home Builders Association.
The guide encourages homeowners to think green when they plan to make changes, not just to reduce environmental impact but also to achieve a healthier and more comfortable living space, lower monthly operating costs and increased value.
The guide encourages advance planning on three key areas: energy and water efficiency, clean indoor air and choosing resource-smart materials and products.
It also encourages the homeowner to upgrade heating systems, add insulation and choose high-performance windows. Upgrading light fixtures, on-demand water heaters, water-efficient plumbing features and green landscaping are all factors to be taken into consideration.
Of course, in order to determine how to make the largest energy impact on your home, it is useful to know where the greatest deficiencies exist. An energy audit can be performed by Manitoba Hydro evaluators. This report determines how your home uses energy, where it is being wasted and can tell you which retrofits qualify for funding under both federal and provincial programs.
These rebates are in addition to the Home Renovation Tax Credit, a recently introduced one-year program that enables the homeowner to recover up to $1,350 on a $10,000 renovation. The HRTC expires early in 2010 so, if you are thinking about renovating, the time to act is now.
If you have concerns about air quality or ventilation, ask your renovator for advice on how to alleviate these problems. Your home is a complex system and a professional knows that the various parts of your house must work together.
The Homeowners' Guide to Green Renovations also lists materials, products and techniques that contribute to keeping indoor air cleaner and healthier. All manufacturers should be able to provide clear, concise information that supports their claim of being green. Again, your professional renovator can help you through this process.
To review a list of MHBA-recommended renovators and to review the Homeowners Guide to Green Renovation, please visit the Manitoba Home Builders Association web site at www.homebuilders.mb.ca and the RenoMark site at www.renomark.ca.
This column prepared by the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
